Facts about Police officers

1. US Policing followed UK Policing
The evolution of policing in the United States closely followed the growth of policing in England. Policing took two forms, the informal and communal form in the early colonies referred to as the ‘Watch’ or private for-profit policing form, which is called ‘The Big Stick’. British policing is traced back to years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

2. Most police officers work 40 hours a week
Many police work on foot or ride in cars. Some police officers ride horses, bikes, or motorcycles. Some work in boats on rivers and harbors while others work with dogs. Majority of police and detectives work at least forty hours a week. They get extra pay when they work longer hours. Some police have to work nights and weekends because police work is a 24-hour-a-day job and may work long hours on a case. They have to be ready to go to work at all times. Some have to travel much, often on short notice. Some police officers work outdoors in all types of weather.

3. Police officers in India get a pay rise if they grow mustaches
The police chief in the Jhabua district implemented a new moustache-growing initiative. This came under the belief that moustaches make cops gain more respect compared to cops with no moustaches. The chief also has to inspect the moustaches himself to make sure they’re not too intimidating.

4. Most police officers have no background in law or firearm usage
A common myth about policing is that it needs people who are physically imposing. Police work is not all about size and muscles. Another myth suggests that police officers aren’t supposed to get scared. On separate occasions, police officers face circumstances that cause them to be fearful. Police applicants do always have to know a lot about self-defense, laws and using firearms. Most police applicants have no background in any of those areas.

5. Police officers earn reasonable pay
Police work is not a career known for high salaries, but officers can make reasonable incomes in some areas and with experience. The average yearly salary for police officers in the US was 56,260 dollars as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary was 54,230 dollars. Ten percent of earners were at or below 32,080 dollars while the top 10 percent were at or above 84,980 dollars.

6. Police officers have to be citizens in US
In many jurisdictions, police officers must be citizens of the United States. They must also be persons of good mental and physical health, and must finish testing. A high school diploma and successful completion of a written exam are other general requirements. Other requirements differ considerably based on the agency. College education in criminal justice or an associated area is from time to time needed.

7. California has the highest number of Police Officers in the US
As of May 2011, California had the highest number of officer at 73,550 police officers and paid the highest average annual income of 78,790 dollars. New York and Texas both had over 54,000 officers. Florida had 35,370, and Illinois had 29,510.8. Metropolitan Police Service is the biggest employer in London
The Metropolitan Police Service is London’s biggest employer; with over 33,000 police officers. After training, a Metropolitan police officer takes home over 30,000 dollars a year.

9. Ohio State allows police officers to give speeding tickets by estimation
The police officers in Ohio can give a speeding ticket just by looking at how one is driving and making an estimate of speed. The giving of the speeding ticket from estimation may seem ridiculous and unfair, but it is the law in the State of Ohio.

10. Police officer Training is done by Agencies
One must meet the training requirements available in agencies to work as police officer. Most agencies have training academies while smaller agencies complete their training at a local college, university, or through larger agencies’ academy. Through the academy, one receives training that prepares them for a policing career in areas such as defensive tactics, driving, tactical firearms, and laws and regulations.